FIT-AGAIN midfielder Garry Flitcroft today warned his team-mates 'the next three games could make or break our season' as Rovers prepare to face Wanderers at the Reebok tomorrow writes Andy Neild of the Evening Telegraph

Rovers have managed to maintain a top 10 position despite a run which has seen them win just once in their last five outings.

But with a busy Christmas period coming up, Flitcroft knows the next three games against Wanderers, Everton and Manchester United could be vital if Rovers plan to avoid being sucked into trouble at the wrong end of the table.

"We are getting to a busy time now where we've got to pick up a few wins and try and get to the 30-point mark over Christmas, then we can kick on from there," said Flitcroft.

"The sooner we can pick up some points, the better and I'm sure if we play well over the next couple of weeks then we will.

"Everyone talks about certain games being crucial but, to be honest, every one of them is at this level and we've got to go out with the attitude that we can win them all."

It's no coincidence that Rovers' slump in fortunes coincided with a spell on the sidelines for Flitcroft.

While most critics tend to rave on about the flair players in Graeme Souness's side, Flitcroft's role is sometimes overlooked.

But his importance to the side has never been more obvious than in the last few weeks as Rovers have struggled against the likes of Southampton, Everton and Charlton as he battled to overcome a niggling ankle injury.

However, the 30-year-old can now see the light at the end of the tunnel after making his comeback as a second half sub in the midweek Worthington win over Rotherham.

And he could hardly have made a more timely return with a big Lancashire derby against Bolton looming large on the horizon.

"It's a derby game so there's going to be tackles flying in because both teams want to win it for the fans as well as themselves," said Flitcroft.

"We've always done well against Bolton in the past so we'll be going there hoping we can get another three points.

"We've got a good record against them under the gaffer and they've got a few injury problems at the minute, whereas we've got some key players coming back.

"But 'Big' Sam has got an honest bunch of hard-working lads there and we know we'll have to play well to beat them."

Passions have certainly run high during the last few meetings between the two sides at the Reebok.

Two seasons ago in the FA Cup, things boiled over when Flitcroft was sent off after just nine minutes for two bookable offences.

And history then repeated itself last term when the two sides clashed again in the Premiership as Andy Cole was dismissed within the opening 20 minutes following another heated clash.

However, Flitcroft insists the rivalry which exists between the two sides is generally friendly.

And, being a Bolton lad himself who lists Sam Allardyce among his neighbours, the banter has been flying about in the build-up to the latest battle.

"I've had some stick, mainly for tickets, but their fans are generally all right with me," said the Rovers skipper.

"I'm a Bolton lad and it's a game I always look forward to playing in. I see Mike Whitlow knocking about and I speak to Kevin Nolan when I see him.

"But, to be honest, we haven't really spoken about the game. All I would say is they, obviously, need to start picking up points so they'll be fired up to beat us."

"But I thought we did alright as a team against Rotherham on Wednesday, we scored some good goals, and to get a win under our belts sets us up nicely ahead of tomorrow.

"It was also good to see Coley and Yorkie do well because that should act as a confidence booster for them and the rest of the lads as well."